Product Review - Casio AP420 Celviano Digital Piano

Casio claims to have achieved the real grand piano experience with their Casio AP Celviano series of digital pianos. These pianos have received overwhelmingly positive reviews in the all-important areas of feel and sound, and people also seem to really appreciate its extra digital functionality.

The Celeviano series uses Casio's AiF Linear Morphing System to ensure smooth transitions across a range of dynamics, from pianissimo to fortissimo. The technology works by taking stereo samplings of four optimal key pressures from a top-quality grand piano, and then using linear morphing to provide a complete range of dynamics based how much pressure is placed on the digital piano key.

The tri-sensor 88 note scaled hammer action keyboard is another notable piece of technology. It's a mouthful, but when broken down it's pretty simple to understand. Scaled actions just means that the lower keys have a heavier touch while the higher keys are more sensitive to lighter playing, just like on an acoustic piano. Under each Celviano key are three sensors. Many digital pianos only have two of these sensors. The good thing about having tri-sensor technology is that you can play one note rapidly without that key having to return to it's starting position to sound again. This mimics the action of acoustic pianos. This is critical if you need to play rapid tremolo or trill sections featured in many classical works.

The AP420 comes with 128 notes of polyphony - more than you will ever need. You won't have to worry about dropped notes, which is important in dense passages of music, and when you are using layering effects. Besides layering (sometimes called Dual Voice), the AP420 has some other convenient features:

The Casio Celevano series digital piano has an authentic feel and sound, offers some great digital features, and looks sophisticated. It comes in dark brown and black, weighs 141 lbs., and has dimensions of 54.9” (W) x 16.8” (D) x 32.9” (H) with the cabinet.

Casio AP420 Celviano Digital Piano has been on top of the bestseller list for a long time, and it keeps proving itself as a reliable and authentic instrument. I would recommend it to anyone who needs a substitute for an acoustic piano, likes having fun with extra voices and effects, and also enjoys having recording and computer connectivity options.